Once upon a time not long ago, when DJs were a dime-a-dozen and the skill level was so low…

A year ago, a group of close friends looked at the state of the DJing art-form . Disappointed by the lack of skills, the wrong “DJs” in the limelight, and the integrity of their profession crumbling under the weight of it all, they searched for the source of the problem. Unable to pinpoint the exact reason of the decline of their art, these friends decided to take accountability for it all. Branding themselves the “Scapegoat DJs”, and their mission, the “Just Blame Us” movement, they hoped to change the game by educating the public on the art and how it should be, bridging the gap between the Old School and the newer generation that was never taught properly. Hip-Hop, live and direct – no fluff, no filler.

On May 11th, we helped the Just Blame Us Fam celebrate their 1 Year Anniversary with the final “Sureshot” event at Blu Monkey in Hollywood CA. The talents of D-Styles (Beat Junkies), Dstrukt (Under The Table) & Virusss (Battlestar) played to a packed house, rocking that feel good music all night. Just the people and the music, that’s it… and some alcohol. “Remembering the past….Representing the lost…Revealing to the new.”

“Blame it on our acceptance of today’s radio friendly music.
Blame it on our douchebag mentality for what you think is a sell out.
Blame it on our hard headed approach to old school meets the future of where music is going.
Remember what we play though.
Then talk to us about it and if you still need someone to blame.
Just blame us.”
- Just Blame Us

It’s been a good run at Blu Monkey through the year with a lot of great DJs coming through to rock the spot and represent. Although it was the last event at this location, the movement continues strong as the Scapegoat DJs push forth with their operation, already working on their next concept while holding their self-adopted responsibility. Now you know where to point fingers.

View the full gallery via PhotoHuynh’s Facebook page: Sureshot 1 Year Anniversary

I met my friend, Amy, some 12 years ago during freshman orientation for college. We’ve kept in touch throughout the years and around the time that I decided to start SICK STAR, she told me that her boyfriend was starting his own clothing line as well. That boyfriend of hers happened to be Ramon Cho (Rome One/Rome Uno/Amy’s future husband),  of what was/is Bloodbath Clothing. I’ve followed and watched Ramon grow his brand, leaving his imprint on the game in the short time that Bloodbath has been around. The Bloodbath Crew has been making some noise lately in the industry with their clean designs, innovative lookbooks, well executed concepts and high profile collaborations. They’ve been a huge inspiration for us here at SICK STAR with their sheer creativeness and admirable business ethic of keeping everything honest. They have also been our partial mentors with their willingness to share their knowledge. More than a clothing line, they are a lifestyle, some really good people and Fam to us here.

Earlier this month, I trekked out to Brea CA where their office is to see the crew at the BB headquarters. Amongst all of the bland office space windows in the area, their crossed keys logo and mantra stick out boldly. “Breaking Locks On Open Doors. Boundaries Are Through Habit.”

The entrance of their office is lined with framed black & white photo prints of BB Fam and stars rocking their gear, including the likes of B-Real of Cypress Hill, Mac Miller, Chris Brown and more.

Photography by Ace of L.A. Breaking Locks On Open Doors. (Peace to Amy in the reflection.)

Bloodbath showroom featuring their latest and upcoming gear. Everything on point.

Ramon is an artist and graphic designer by trade. Hanging on one of the walls is this sick 3 panel piece done by him. At first glance, it looks like a painting, but upon closer inspection you discover it’s a mixed media piece using broken CDs and audio cassettes as texture. Wild.

Upstairs, Ramon and the BB/Cast Shadow crew working in the dark, lights off, working to bring you some fresh wears. You’ll be sure to hear more about them and from them in the future, guaranteed.

Check out Bloodbath online at www.bloodbathproject.com and pick some gear up at Zumiez and your friendly neighborhood streetwear boutiques.

- eRecto

The Just Blame Us Fam celebrates it’s 1 Year Anniversary with a blowout bash at The Sureshot in Blu Monkey, tonight in Hollywood CA, featuring special guests DJs D-Styles, Dstrukt & Virusss. We’ll be out there along with Fam from Meister Watches, Acrylick, Stokyo, Us Versus Them & Hippoe Aesthetics. Come celebrate the movement.

“Walt Disney’s re-imagineering of Martin Scorsese’s classic film “Taxi Driver” follows Mickey Mouse-obsessed Travis Bickle as he looks for love in a rapidly transforming New York City.” – Bryan Boyce

“A tribute to Adam Yauch. Hollywood Bowl, 4 May 2012.” – ColdplayTV

View the full photo set here via PhotoHuynh‘s Facebook Gallery: Skissorhands X INGwell AVEC

[via: Hypebeast]